Familial Mediterranean Fever and Diet: A Narrative Review of the Scientific Literature

Abstract

Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disease characterized by short acute attacks, with an as yet unknown cause. Several authors have investigated the role of some foods as potential triggers. This narrative review aims to analyze the correlation between diet and FMF clinical outcomes. Methods: The review was carried out following PRISMA statement guidelines, including all cross-sectional, case-crossover, and trial studies written in English and conducted between 1974 and 2022. Results: Overall, 642 records were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE (292) and Scopus (350), and seven studies were included: three out of seven (43%) studies evaluated FMF attack recurrence or time between consumption of high-fat foods and FMF attacks, while another three (43%) articles variously assessed FMF severity, and one (14%) evaluated the distribution of MEFV mutations. Conclusions: To date, conflicting results have been reported about fatty and salty food intake and FMF attack recurrence. Moreover, some authors have suggested a possible role of wheat. Finally, a diet rich in antioxidants and supplements with an anti-inflammatory effect could partially reduce symptoms and improve the well-being of FMF patients. Nevertheless, no conclusive data could be drawn about the impact of diet in FMF symptom triggering, and further studies are required to clarify this putative association.